There’s a huge difference between owing someone an explanation and choosing to give one.
The difference boils down to personal boundaries. Being forced to justify your actions or decisions is invasive, especially when you’re not comfortable sharing.
Choosing to explain, however, means you’re in control – you’re deciding who gets a glimpse into your private life.
Now, there are certain things in life that you just don’t owe anyone an explanation for. Period. And it’s crucial for everyone to understand these boundaries.
Here are ten things that you should never feel obligated to explain to anyone. Let’s dive in.
1) Your personal beliefs
In a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about everything, it can feel like you’re constantly under the microscope.
But here’s the thing – your personal beliefs are just that, personal. They’re unique to you and they form a significant part of who you are.
Religion, politics, and even your stance on pineapple on pizza – these are all beliefs that you’ve formed based on your experiences and values. And these are not things that you owe anyone an explanation for.
Sure, it’s great to engage in healthy debate and share perspectives, but remember this – you’re not on trial. You don’t have to defend your beliefs or justify why you think the way you do.
Your beliefs are valid because they’re yours. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for them. So the next time someone tries to corner you into justifying your beliefs, remember, it’s your choice whether to engage or not.
2) Your life priorities
We all have different things that we prioritize in life. For some, it’s career advancement, for others it’s building a family, and for others still, it might be traveling the world.
In my own life, I’ve often found myself in situations where I had to explain why I value certain things over others. For instance, I’ve always been passionate about writing. While many of my friends were climbing corporate ladders and buying houses, I chose to focus on honing my craft and building a career as a writer.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked why I didn’t choose a “more stable” career, why I’m not “settled down” yet, or why I chose to follow a path less traveled.
But here’s what I’ve realized – these are my priorities, and I don’t owe anyone an explanation for them. The decisions we make about what to prioritize in our lives are deeply personal and can be based on a variety of factors that are unique to us.
Whether you’re choosing to chase your dreams, putting your family first, or prioritizing self-care, remember you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your life priorities.
3) Your relationship status
Ever notice how people often have an inexplicable interest in others’ love lives? Whether you’re single, dating, or married, it seems like everyone has an opinion or a question.
In the United States alone, there are around 110.6 million single adults. That’s nearly half of the adult population, proving that being single is more common than you might think.
And yet, there seems to be this societal pressure to pair up. The reality is that your relationship status is your business, and yours alone.
If you’re content in your singlehood, happily coupled up, or navigating the complexity of dating, remember that you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your relationship status. It’s your life, live it on your terms.
4) Your career choices
In today’s fast-paced world, the career landscape is vast and varied. Gone are the days when everyone followed a linear career path. Now, it’s not uncommon to switch careers, take a break, or even start your own business.
Yet, there can be judgment and raised eyebrows when you make unconventional career choices. Maybe you’ve decided to quit a high-paying job to pursue your passion, or perhaps you’ve chosen not to climb the corporate ladder in favor of maintaining work-life balance.
Here’s the thing – it’s your career, your future. The choices you make should be based on what’s best for you, not what others expect of you.
5) Your eating habits
Food – it’s a universal necessity, but also a personal choice. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a vegan, a meat lover, or you follow a specific diet for health reasons, your eating habits are your own business.
It can be all too common to face scrutiny or unwanted advice about what you choose to eat or not eat. You might have even found yourself justifying why you’ve decided to skip dessert or why you’ve opted for a salad over a burger.
But remember this – your body, your rules. What you choose to fuel your body with is entirely up to you.
Your diet and your food choices are yours to make.
6) Your decision to have or not have children
One of the most personal decisions anyone can make is whether to have children. Yet, it often seems like this choice is up for public debate.
People might question why you’re not starting a family yet, or why you’ve decided to have only one child, or none at all. The pressure and expectation can be overwhelming, and it can feel like you’re constantly on the defense.
But here’s the heartfelt truth – the decision to bring a life into this world, or not, is a deeply personal one. It’s tied to your dreams, your values, your fears, and your capacity to love and nurture.
Whether you choose to have one child or five, or decide that parenthood isn’t for you, remember this – you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your choice. Your decision is valid and should be respected. After all, it’s your life and your potential future family.
7) Your self-care routine
In the hustle and bustle of life, taking time for self-care can often be seen as indulgent or even selfish. I’ve found myself feeling guilty for prioritizing downtime, for choosing to read a book instead of answering emails, or for taking a mental health day when things get too overwhelming.
But here’s what I’ve come to understand – self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s about giving your mind and body the care they need to function at their best.
Whether it’s taking a yoga class, spending time in nature, meditating, or just curling up with a good book, your self-care routine is your personal business.
After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. When you choose to prioritize your well-being, remember that it’s not just okay – it’s essential.
8) Your financial decisions
When it comes to money, it’s easy to think we should all follow the same path. Save for a house, invest in stocks, avoid debt – it seems straightforward, right? But the truth is, what works for one person may not work for another.
Maybe you’re someone who prefers to rent rather than buy a home. Or you might choose to invest in experiences rather than stocks. Perhaps you’ve taken on debt to pursue an education or start a business.
While these choices may not align with traditional financial wisdom, they might be what’s right for you.
Your financial decisions are your own. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you choose to spend or save your money. It’s your financial journey, and you get to decide the path.
9) Your appearance
In a society that often judges a book by its cover, it’s easy to feel like you need to justify your appearance. Perhaps you’ve been questioned about why you don’t wear makeup, why you do, why you dress a certain way, or even why you decided to change your hairstyle.
But here’s the reality – your body, your rules. Your appearance is an extension of your personality and your individuality. It’s a way for you to express who you are and how you see yourself.
You are enough just as you are.
10) Your choices
At the end of the day, every choice you make – big or small – is your own. From the career you pursue to the food you eat, from the clothes you wear to the way you spend your free time, these are your decisions to make. They shape who you are and who you will become.
It’s your life. You’re the one living it, day in and day out. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for the choices that guide your path. Stand firm in your decisions and trust yourself. You know what’s best for you.
Final thoughts: It’s about self-respect
The essence of not owing anyone an explanation for these facets of your life is not rooted in defiance, but rather in self-respect and personal freedom.
According to psychologist and humanistic philosopher Carl Rogers, one of the primary requisites for personal growth is an environment that provides genuineness, acceptance, and empathy. This also applies to the relationship we have with ourselves.
Understanding and accepting that you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your choices, beliefs, or lifestyle is a crucial step in fostering self-respect and maintaining personal boundaries.
Remember, your life is your own. The decisions you make, the path you follow, the beliefs you hold – they’re yours. And while it’s okay to share, discuss, and even debate these aspects of your life with others, remember that at the end of the day, you don’t owe anyone an explanation.
This is your journey. Own it. Respect it. Cherish it. And most importantly – live it on your own terms.
What would Jesus say?
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